Ohio Abstinence Education Program - Philosophy

The Ohio Abstinence Education Program promotes abstinence outside of marriage as primary prevention.

We believe that teens who learn to respect themselves and others are more likely to connect personal responsibility and positive behavior to human sexuality.

We also believe that emphasizing self control and delayed gratification contribute to a healthier and more productive society.

Abstinence Education is a holistic approach to sexual health and the positive response to a public health crisis, sexually transmitted disease and out of wedlock pregnancy.

Abstinence Education empowers youth with the skills to

• Envision a positive future and set attainable goals.
   
• Develop character traits that will enable them to achieve these goals.
   
• Build relationships based on mutual respect.
   
• Avoid the negative personal and social consequences of unwed pregnancy, sexually transmitted disease, and premarital sexual intimacy.
   
• Establish healthy boundaries in dating relationships.
   
• Become individuals with the character necessary to remain abstinent until marriage, realizing that those same qualities are beneficial for the individual and society as a whole.
   

Last Updated: 4/18/05

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